'Slaughter In the Jungle' MI Blasts BI 18-3 in Island War

 

MERCER ISLAND- No other high school lacrosse game in the state draws as much attention as the Battle of the Islands.  Parents, fans and alums of both programs were joined by enthusiasts from around the state.  “Wow.” It was on the mouths of every person in the stadium.  The first quarter was a Blitzkrieg in every sense of the word, as the Islanders shot lights out.  Mercer Island came up with first possession after an illegal procedure call.  Colton Knebel scored the first goal of the Battle on a simple Islander 2:3 offense. 

 

The goal opened the gates for some traditional Mercer Island streakers, a classic for big games.  Bainbridge turned the ball over on their next possession as the Islanders went on a scoring spree.  Four shots gave Mercer a quick four goal lead, putting the Spartans on their heels.  After a BI timeout, the spree continued with goals coming from all over, even long stick midfielder Teddy Trimble got one. When it rains it pours as the showers started late in the quarter it reflected the Islander onslaught.  When Bainbridge had the ball the Islander defense was aggressive and forced several turnovers.  No one could have predicted a 10-0 Islander lead at the end of the first quarter. Doug Mahony already racked up a hat trick and Matt Shields tallied two goals and two assists. 

The tempo slowed to start the second quarter, as the players adjusted to the damp turf.  Bainbridge refocused and became harder nosed on defense.  Right when BI got a much needed save by goalie Julian Skotheim-Hillis, Shields snatched the loose ball out of the crease for a goal- pushing the score to 11-0.  Bainbridge responded and finally got on the board after Kaegan Ingrasci scored on the crease on an Alex Crane feed from behind the cage.  However, the Islander horses kept running the Spartans out of the stadium and dominated all facets of the game.  Their performance thus far was stellar from face off play, to shooting on the run to suffocating defense and solid goalie play.  This team is on fire and on its way to the championship game.  Bainbridge got some intensity with Cam Parker after he bull dodged through for a goal, putting the score 13-2.  The skies parted and with it Henry Deery-Schmitt found Jacob Knostman on the crease.  Mercer Island led 14-3 at halftime.   

The second half would not go well for Bainbridge either.  Mercer Island was in full control having deflated the Spartans early.  Play began to get chippy and unsettled for a stint as both teams went back-and-forth across the field trying to gain possession. The Spartans frustrations became visible as the 12-goal deficit became wider. Big hits, wild slashes and post-whistle brawls became peppering the late third and fourth quarter.  Bainbridge players started visiting the penalty box frequently and would not help the Spartans.  The Islanders upend their longtime rival 18-3 in perhaps the most lopsided game in the rivalry’s history.

 

Players of the Game:

Doug Mahony- 6g, 1a

Matt Shields- 4g, 4a